17-02-2026, 07:57 PM
Chapter 113 - The Salsa and Lies.
Rishi had sent Bharath the location earlier A small open air beach shack. It hosted evening salsa nights. Low lights. Live music. Couples swaying on a wooden floor right beside the sea. Rishi’s message was short.
Drive slow. Hit there. Act like you just stumbled upon it. Make it look unintentional.
Bharath read it twice then deleted the chat.
Mirnaa agreed quickly. She still carried the morning’s guilt. She still wanted to make things right.
They drove along the coastal road with windows down. Warm breeze carried salt and music. Bharath kept the speed low. Casual. As if he had no destination. When the shack came into view with fairy lights strung between palm trees and faint salsa rhythm drifting out he slowed the car.
Look at that. Seems like a dance night.
Mirnaa leaned forward. Her eyes brightened.
This looks fun. Let us just enter here.
Bharath hesitated. He acted perfectly. Voice uncertain.
I do not know. It looks like a couple thing. Romantic dance. I am not sure.
Mirnaa turned to him. Voice soft but determined.
Come on. I want to try. Back in my church days in the village my friends and I used to dance sometimes. Not like this but it was fun. Let us do it.
She smiled small and hopeful.
Bharath looked at her for a long second then gave a slow nod.
Okay. Let us try.
They parked and walked in. The shack was half full. Couples moving slowly to the beat. Instructor calling basic steps from the side. No pressure. No crowd. Just relaxed sunset energy.
Bharath paid for a quick beginner lesson. The instructor paired them up. Showed the basic salsa rhythm. Side step. Back step. Turn. Bharath stood stiff at first. Hesitant. Like a man still nursing a wound.
Mirnaa took his hand. Gentle. Guiding.
Follow me. It is easy.
They started moving. Amateur steps. Clumsy at first. Laughing when they stepped on each other’s feet. Bharath kept his hold light. Polite. But every turn brought them closer. Her hand rested on his shoulder. His palm settled on her waist. Their hips brushed once. Twice. As they tried the basic turn. Her chest grazed his on a slow spin. Their fingers laced together. Warm. Steady. Holding through every step.
Nothing more than that. No bold moves. No grinding. Just amateur dancing. Bodies touching naturally. Rhythm pulling them in sync. Mirnaa laughed freely. Eyes bright. Guilt easing with every shared smile. Bharath smiled too. Small. Careful. But his eyes stayed watchful. He acted like he was not fully recovered. Like he was still carrying the hurt. But inside he was warming up exactly as planned.
They danced for thirty minutes. Sweating lightly. Breathing close. Then thanked the instructor and left.
The drive back was quiet. Comfortable. The earlier distance shrinking.
Goa – Beachfront Villa – 9 PM
They had a quiet dinner on the villa terrace. Candlelight. Simple Goan fish curry and rice. Conversation stayed light.
Safe topics. The waves. The food.
The sunset colors. Bharath spoke little. Still playing the wounded role. But he listened to her every word.
After dinner Mirnaa finally said it. Voice low.
I am apologizing for the nth time. I am sorry.
Bharath looked at her. Expression guarded. Voice quiet.
He did not speak much at first.
Mirnaa continued.
I have not slept thinking about the guilt. I feel terrible.
Bharath finally spoke. Voice raw. Controlled.
You think I slept last night?
The moment the lights went out the thoughts of your accusation hit me raw. I could not sleep.
You doubted me. You asked sorry easily.
I was the receiver of blame. What would be a medicine to my wound?
There is nothing. And coming from someone whom you loved.
It is even more painful.
Mirna could not say anything. Her eyes filled again.
Bharath thought Mirna buy all my lies lol
Bharath stood.
Let us go.
They walked together toward their rooms. 406 and 407. Side by side. Quiet.
At her door Mirna stopped.
Mirna began: We are friends right... Come. Let us sleep here. Like last time I'm on couch you sleep on bed.
Don't be alone.
Bharath shook his head. Gentle but firm.
No. You sleep there. But do not hesitate to call me when something is uneasy.
The place is safe yet you are staying alone.
Last night I came out to give you space....and went to the room but I have been guarding your room right here staying all night.
(Another casual lie)
Mirna was shocked. Eyes widening.
You stayed outside my room?
Bharath gave a small nod. No elaboration.
Good night.
He entered 407. Door closing softly.
Mirnaa stood there. Stunned.
Guilt and warmth mixing inside her. He had stayed awake.
Protecting her. Even after she hurt him.
She went inside her room. Closed the door.
But the distance between 406 and 407 felt smaller than ever.
She changed her dress, sat on bed, memories keeps flooding.
His protection last night everything.. she decided to speak to him..
she determined, she reached her doors to open.
Rishi had sent Bharath the location earlier A small open air beach shack. It hosted evening salsa nights. Low lights. Live music. Couples swaying on a wooden floor right beside the sea. Rishi’s message was short.
Drive slow. Hit there. Act like you just stumbled upon it. Make it look unintentional.
Bharath read it twice then deleted the chat.
Mirnaa agreed quickly. She still carried the morning’s guilt. She still wanted to make things right.
They drove along the coastal road with windows down. Warm breeze carried salt and music. Bharath kept the speed low. Casual. As if he had no destination. When the shack came into view with fairy lights strung between palm trees and faint salsa rhythm drifting out he slowed the car.
Look at that. Seems like a dance night.
Mirnaa leaned forward. Her eyes brightened.
This looks fun. Let us just enter here.
Bharath hesitated. He acted perfectly. Voice uncertain.
I do not know. It looks like a couple thing. Romantic dance. I am not sure.
Mirnaa turned to him. Voice soft but determined.
Come on. I want to try. Back in my church days in the village my friends and I used to dance sometimes. Not like this but it was fun. Let us do it.
She smiled small and hopeful.
Bharath looked at her for a long second then gave a slow nod.
Okay. Let us try.
They parked and walked in. The shack was half full. Couples moving slowly to the beat. Instructor calling basic steps from the side. No pressure. No crowd. Just relaxed sunset energy.
Bharath paid for a quick beginner lesson. The instructor paired them up. Showed the basic salsa rhythm. Side step. Back step. Turn. Bharath stood stiff at first. Hesitant. Like a man still nursing a wound.
Mirnaa took his hand. Gentle. Guiding.
Follow me. It is easy.
They started moving. Amateur steps. Clumsy at first. Laughing when they stepped on each other’s feet. Bharath kept his hold light. Polite. But every turn brought them closer. Her hand rested on his shoulder. His palm settled on her waist. Their hips brushed once. Twice. As they tried the basic turn. Her chest grazed his on a slow spin. Their fingers laced together. Warm. Steady. Holding through every step.
Nothing more than that. No bold moves. No grinding. Just amateur dancing. Bodies touching naturally. Rhythm pulling them in sync. Mirnaa laughed freely. Eyes bright. Guilt easing with every shared smile. Bharath smiled too. Small. Careful. But his eyes stayed watchful. He acted like he was not fully recovered. Like he was still carrying the hurt. But inside he was warming up exactly as planned.
They danced for thirty minutes. Sweating lightly. Breathing close. Then thanked the instructor and left.
The drive back was quiet. Comfortable. The earlier distance shrinking.
Goa – Beachfront Villa – 9 PM
They had a quiet dinner on the villa terrace. Candlelight. Simple Goan fish curry and rice. Conversation stayed light.
Safe topics. The waves. The food.
The sunset colors. Bharath spoke little. Still playing the wounded role. But he listened to her every word.
After dinner Mirnaa finally said it. Voice low.
I am apologizing for the nth time. I am sorry.
Bharath looked at her. Expression guarded. Voice quiet.
He did not speak much at first.
Mirnaa continued.
I have not slept thinking about the guilt. I feel terrible.
Bharath finally spoke. Voice raw. Controlled.
You think I slept last night?
The moment the lights went out the thoughts of your accusation hit me raw. I could not sleep.
You doubted me. You asked sorry easily.
I was the receiver of blame. What would be a medicine to my wound?
There is nothing. And coming from someone whom you loved.
It is even more painful.
Mirna could not say anything. Her eyes filled again.
Bharath thought Mirna buy all my lies lol
Bharath stood.
Let us go.
They walked together toward their rooms. 406 and 407. Side by side. Quiet.
At her door Mirna stopped.
Mirna began: We are friends right... Come. Let us sleep here. Like last time I'm on couch you sleep on bed.
Don't be alone.
Bharath shook his head. Gentle but firm.
No. You sleep there. But do not hesitate to call me when something is uneasy.
The place is safe yet you are staying alone.
Last night I came out to give you space....and went to the room but I have been guarding your room right here staying all night.
(Another casual lie)
Mirna was shocked. Eyes widening.
You stayed outside my room?
Bharath gave a small nod. No elaboration.
Good night.
He entered 407. Door closing softly.
Mirnaa stood there. Stunned.
Guilt and warmth mixing inside her. He had stayed awake.
Protecting her. Even after she hurt him.
She went inside her room. Closed the door.
But the distance between 406 and 407 felt smaller than ever.
She changed her dress, sat on bed, memories keeps flooding.
His protection last night everything.. she decided to speak to him..
she determined, she reached her doors to open.
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